2018 Award Shortlist & Categories

There are 18 categories in total, recognising individuals and organisations across television, radio, newspaper, magazines, online publishing and mobile. Voting will open on Monday 7th May at 12:00 midday. You can vote in as many categories as you like. You can only vote for one person in each category. Please note that you can only enter the voting page once. So please vote in one, a few or all categories at the same time. Voting will close on Thursday 12th July 2018 at 23:59. Due to popular demand from nominees the closing date has been extended to Sunday 22nd July at 23:59.

The winners will be announced along with the highly commended as chosen by the judges at the awards ceremony on Friday 21st September 2018 in London​.

Individual Recognition

Presenter of the Year

Someone who is currently presenting in British television, is recognised in one of our seven strands of diversity and who does not shy away from addressing topics around diversity and inclusion.​​Last year's winner - Reggie Yates Last year's highly commended - Mary Portas

All 3 MediaHero of the Year

Someone who has not shied away from confronting an issue and has stood up for what they believe in, in the name of equality and diversity.​Last year's winner - Lily Allen Last year's highly commended - Sir Ian McKellen

London College of CommunicationRising Star of the Year

Available to anyone who is just starting out or is a career changer, moving into media later in their career. Someone who is making their mark in British media.​Last year's winner - Victoria Broom Last year's highly commended - Layton Williams

Layton Williams

Melanie Gayle​​

Mhairi Black

Nathan Bryon

Rachel Sweeney

Rosie Jones

Shehnaz Khan

Tamal Ray ​​

Getty ImagesIcon of the Year

This award is given to someone in the public eye who actively and positively promotes an equality, diversity and inclusion agenda. A role model.​Last year's winner - MP Diane AbbottLast year's highly commended - Gok Wan

​Beverley Knight

Ellie Simmonds

Gok Wan

Graham Norton

Sir Ian Mckellen

Kanya King

Sir Lenny Henry

Liz Carr

Inspirational Role Model of the Year

This award will celebrate someone in business who is contributing in some way to developing a culture that allows the most skilled and talented people to succeed, regardless of gender, race, physical abilities or sexual orientation.​​New category. Not awarded in 2017.

Creative Recognition

Media Moment of the Year

Highlighting a single moment which has been broadcast on national or local television in the UK, or via online streaming services, and which has delivered a genuine ‘water cooler’ moment.​​Last year's winner - India Willoughby (Loose Women) Last year's highly commended - Line of Duty (Roz Huntley interview)

Cosmopolitan Magazine Laverne Cox

Doctor Who Gay Companion

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Engagement

Olly Alexander Growing Up Gay ​

Jake & Hannah Wedding

Star Trek DiscoveryGay Kiss

Strictly Come Dancing Jonnie Peacock & Oti Mabuse

Will & Grace The Return

Radio Programme / Podcast or Station of the Year

Rewarding a series or one-off UK national, local or internet radio broadcast, which depicts equality and diversity in a positive light, or a radio station whose output embraces diversity and inclusion.​Last year's winner - Badass Women's Hour Last year's highly commended - Resonance FM

​Badass Women's Hour

BBC Asian Network

BBC Radio Manchester

Emma Bunton

​Gaydio

Nick Grimshaw

Pete Price Show

Homo Sapiens by Will Young & Chris Sweeney

Marketing Campaign of the Year

Awarded for a UK advertising or marketing campaign on any platform which enshrines the values of equality and diversity.​Last year's winner - Jabong - Be You by Harvey Bertram-BrownLast year's highly commended - Maltesers - Dance Floor

Amazon Music

Lidl UK

Match.com​

McCain

Nutmeg

​Smirnoff

Starbucks

Tesco

Boss TalentTV Programme of the Year

Rewarding a series or one-off TV programme (available in the UK) which depicts equality and diversity in a positive light.​Last year's winner - Gogglebox Last year's highly commended - The Last Leg

​Benidorm ​ITV

Coronation Street ​ITV

Gogglebox ​Channel 4

Great British Bake Off​Channel 4

​Hollyoaks ​Channel 4

Marcella ​ITV

Strictly Come Dancing BBC

​Undateables ​Channel 4

Company and Organisation Recognition

Media Organisation of the Year

Open to any UK based media organisation which demonstrates a stand-out commitment to diversity for the benefit of their employees and audience.​Last year's winner - Simon Jones PR Last year's highly commended - Creative Equals

Production Company of the Year

Open to any UK based production company which produces programmes that highlight issues and promote diversity and inclusion. ​Last year's winner - BettyLast year's highly commended - Maverick TV

Amazon Studios

Black Dog Television

ITV Studios

Maverick TV

Netflix

The Rabbit Hole Group

Raise The Roof

Twenty Twenty

Publication of the Year

Available to any UK based publication local or national (digital or print) who has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion. This can include books.​​New category. Not awarded in 2017.

Gay Times​

The Guardian

Hearst

Huffington Post​

@indy100 from The Independent

Metro​

The Voice ​

Special Recognition

Outstanding Contribution to British media

A unique award given to a particular individual who has consistently shown a commitment to breaking down barriers in British media, for the benefit of minorities and of society as a whole. Nominations for this award are through our judging panel with our founders Colin Campbell-Austin and Linda Riley selecting the winner.